The Opposition is gearing up to move a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairperson and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, an Indian Express report quoted sources as saying. This marks the second such move against Dhankhar this year. Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party MPs have reportedly signed the notice under Article 67(b) of the Constitution, it reported.
During the Budget Session in August, tensions were high in the Rajya Sabha as the Opposition considered a similar no-confidence resolution. The session ended amidst protests over the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics and heated exchanges between Dhankhar and Opposition MPs. Despite claims that over 80 MPs had signed the notice, the move was ultimately shelved as the session concluded.
As per Article 67 of the Constitution, the Vice-President can be removed from office through a resolution passed by a majority of members in the Rajya Sabha and subsequently agreed upon by the Lok Sabha. The resolution requires at least 14 days’ notice before it can be tabled.
There is no precedent of a no-confidence or impeachment resolution being moved against the Rajya Sabha Chairman. However, in 2020, the Opposition submitted a no-confidence resolution against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh. This action came amid uproar in the House over his decision to extend the session beyond the scheduled 1 pm, ignoring Opposition demands to defer discussions on the contentious farm Bills to the following day.